From the Pastor’s Desk-November 2016

When we see salvation whole—it’s every single part

is found in Christ,

we must beware lest we derive the smallest drop

From somewhere else.

If we seek salvation,

the very name of Jesus

teaches us

that he possesses it.

If other Spirit-given gifts are sought—in his anointing they are found;

strength—in his reign; and purity—in his conception;

tenderness—expressed in his nativity,

in which he was made like us in all respects, that he might feel our pain:

Redemption when we seek it, is in his passion found;

acquittal—in his condemnation lies;

and freedom from the curse—in his cross is known.

If satisfaction for our sins we seek—well find it in his sacrifice.

There’s cleansing in his blood.

And if it’s reconciliation that we need, for it he entered Hades;

if mortification of our flesh—then in his tomb it’s laid.

And newness of our life—his resurrection brings and

immortality as well come also with that gift.

And if we long to find that heaven’s kingdom’s our inheritance,

His entry there secure it now

with our protection, safety too, and blessing that abound —all flowing from his kingly reign.

The sum of all for those who seek such treasure-trove of blessings,

These blessings of all kinds, is this:

From nowhere else than him can they be drawn;

For they are ours in Christ alone.

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, 2.16.19,1559 Latin ed., translation and versification by Sinclair B. Ferguson in his The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance—Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters, published by Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois, 2016. 55-56.

Submitted by Pastor Tom Bridgman